REGISTERED COMPANY IYUMBER: Nt028769 (Northern Ireland) REGISTERED CHARITY IYUMBER: NEC102384 ort of the Trustees and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 ror Shallkill Womens Centre Lynn Drake & Co Ltd Statutory Auditor5 1st Floor 34 B-D Main Street Moira Co. Annagh BT67 OLE
Shankill Womens Centre Contents of the Financial Statements for the Ycar Ended 31 March 2025 Page Reference Y4nd AdministrAtive Details Report of the Trustees 2 to 11 Report of the Independent Auditors 12 to 15 Statement of Financial Activities 16 Statement of Flnancial Position 17 Statement of Cash Flows 18 Notts to the Statement of CAsh Flow$ 19 Notes to the Finydneial Statements 20 to 36 Det&iled Statement of Financial Activities 37 to 38
Shankill Womens Centre ort of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 The trustees who are also direL'tor5 of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statsments of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trnstees have adopted the provisions of Ac¢ounting and Reporting by Charities- Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to ¢hariti¢s preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial R¢porting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2019).
Shankill Womens Centre Reference and Administrative Details for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 TRIJSTEES Laura Bell Veronica Brown (resigned 301712025) Deborah Cowan (resigned 301712025) Amanda Kit¢hingham Carol Lawley Nicola Mccullough Margaret Smith (resigncd 241912024) Naomi Tliompson Pamela McNulty (appointed 9110r2024) Kathleen Gilliland (appointed 911012024) COMPANY SECRETARY Nicola Mccullough REGISTERED OFFICE Shankill Sl)ared Womens Centre 3 Mayo Link Belfast Co. Antrim BT13 3BD REGISTERED ColANy NUMBER N1028769 (Northern Ireland) REGISTERED CHAIUTY NiTMBER NIC102384 AUDITORS Lynn Drake & Co Ltd Statutory Aiiditors 1st Floor 34 B-D Main st¢¢ Moira Co. Annagh BT67 OLE SOLICITORS Thompson Crook5 Solicitors 325 Sliankill Road Belfast BTI3 IFX CHIEF EXECUTtVE OFFICERB Carli51e
Shgnkill Womens Centre ort of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 0ECTIVEs Af4D ACTIVITIES Organisational Background Shankill Women's Centre mi10 Statement: "Providing an accessible resour¢e and development support for women in the Greater Shankill and beyond" Shankill Women's Centre was formed in 1987 by a small group of women interested in ruiining women only education classes and by 1998 it had obtained new shared premises with North and West Belfast Health and Social Services Trust. This year (2024) seen a major event in the Centre's history. Following 15 years of hard work the C¢ntre moved into its new state of the art building- Shankill ShAred Women's Centre. This is a new era for the Centre and it will enable it to extend its work throughout all the projects and attract new women on a cross community basis. This shared Wom¢n's Centre ensure the safety of wornen who come together from cultural and religious backgrounds for sustained periods of time within a neutral space. This meaningful, purposeful contact will lead to a more cohesive community, enabliThg women to be the peace builders within their communities. It will aIso help lieal g¢neTational trauma from the conflicL fostering hope and positive change The Shankill Women's Centre work consists or: The Health And Wellbeing Project- takes a holistic approach to the prevention of social isolation. We do this by covering an array of topic$ including emotxonal and mental health, physical health, and social wellbeing classes. All class¢s are cross-community and intergenerational. Emotional and Mental Health classes allow women a safe ¢nvironment to explore and cxpress their feelings in positive and healthy ways. Physical Health classes provide a raiige of different a¢tivitie5 ¢nsuring that women with all abilities and disabilities can participat¢ exercise classes. Social wcllbeing and recreational classes help with hand-eye Cowordination. maintsining and learning new skills. supporting their peers while making new friends preventing social isolatlon. These classes also help to impTOV¢ not only their mental health but their physical health. A range of classes The Health & Well-Bein8 Project Provided are: Emotional Vdnd Mentsl Health Positive Vibes Women's Emotional Health Kintsugi Hope Personal Development Mentsl Health Resilience Arts and Crafts Rochet and chat Knitting and Natter
Sh2nkill Womens Centr¢ ort of the Trustees for the YeAr Ended 31 March 2025 Phyyical Bootcamp Zumba Chair based Activity Aqua A¢robi¢s Social Well-being Ydnd RecreationAI Stitching Sisters Art Group Allotment As well as regular classes The Health & Well-Being project also provide one off workshops and infomiation days on topics su¢h as MindfulnLss and Mental Health. SWC also provides alternatAv¢ therapies. Child¢Are Unit Th¢ child-¢are facility within the centre provides an invaluable resource to the parents through the provision of high-quality care for their children it is also tl)ere to help and support parents either if they are working or taking part in Educationl Flealth Project. All staff are qualified, and this is a safe and nurturing eiivironment where children learn and develop througli play. We work in partnersllip with parents to ensure children's needs are paramount. The child-care programme is Organised by a Child-care Manager. A Child-care organiser who runs the facility on a day-to-day basis and a team of qualified staff. The Childcare Facility is regist¢red a5 Full Day Care with Nortli & West H.S.S. Trust. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.30pin. The slaff have completed a number of ¢our5es - child development. health and safety. safeguarding children and child protection to add to th¢ir continuous development to ¢iisure we help all the chIldn in our care meet th¢ir areas of development. Higb Scope Ollgoing The childcare project within the Shankill Women's Centre implements th¢ High-scope Programme which is an early learning plan for pr¢-5chool children. The programme 15 based on tho idea that children learn best from activities that they plan and carry out themselves. High-scope is based on a balance betweeii activities initiated by the Ghildren and those arr]ged by the adults. It is importAllt to build on cliildren'5 Strengths, interests and abilities and to develop their self-esteem and problem-solving skills and to help them to understand and accept differences in a wider social setting. Media Initiative The childcare is conlinuing to use the Media Initiative for Children RespcGting Difference Progrdmme. The children would use this resource each week whether with the puppets or die story books. Major research has found evidence that the programme is eff¢¢tive in improving outcomes in young children in relalion to their Social and emotional development and awareness of and attitudes towards cultural differences.
Shankill Womens Centre ort of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Project Objectives With the resources in place the proJt will be able to monitor the dcvelopment of the childrell's intellectual, verbal, cognitive, social and emotional skills. Children will also gain confidence and independency. The Childcare facility will provide the children with the social ¢otJts¢t of other children that will be crucial to their individual development. (a) To provide a quality child focused environment in which children feel secure and safe. (b) To foster and develop each child's sense of self-value and esteem. (c) To welcome all parents and their children regardless of their religion, race. marital status. sexual orientation or disability. (d) To provide child-care which embwes so¢ial policy and legislation in respect of children (Children Nl Order 1998). (e) To promote equal opportunities and ensure that all children are encouraged to participate. (fj To be sensitive of the wishes and feelings of parents whose children ar¢ in our care. (g) To implement the High Scope Programme. (h) To provide a structured programme that will enable children to develop 50cially, emotionally, intsllectually, verbally and physically. encouraging children to learn and explore and develop. (i) To Tecogmise and meet the developmental needs of each child and to offer choices to involve them in all de¢i5ions affecting them, tr) seek their opinion at all time opportunities. O) To help raise awareness in the children of attitudes towards ¢llltural differences and respecting those differen¢es. This will in turn improve cffective outcomes in the young children whi¢h they will take home to their familie5. Staff are all trained to deliver this programme and ensure all ¢hildr¢n are valued and respected in a safe and nurturin8 environment. Welcome Spacel Drop-in Area The Shankill women's Centre provides a welcome space/ drop in fa¢ility for all women irrcspectivc of religion or culture. This is a female only. secure. safe and welcoming environment. This facility is a way for women to meet others, socialise and find out more about the women's centre and the work that is carried out there, without the commitment of signing UP to any ¢la5se5 or services. This is a "warm space" that is available to all the wotnen throughout the winter months as a spare that Is continually heated and where hot water. tea and coffee are available. This provides an alternative to women sitting at home using their heating and absorbing the subsequent cost. Shared Edu¢ation Connect for Women Projeet This comprises of a three-partner proje¢t: . Women's Tec Glow Womens Group Shankill Wom¢ns Centre It delivers throughout North and West Belfast and is focused on skills, cmployability, education and confidence building. The project engages women in a journey of personal development. training in essential ski115, trnde skills and confidence building.
ShY4nkill Womens CeDtre ort of the Trustees for lh¢ Year Ended 31 March 2025 This is a five-ye&r funded project. The longevity is productive as we can engage and progress participants from a basic level to GCSE and Counselling L2 then further progr¢55ion unto L3. Movement between the 3 organisations is promoted and encouraged, enabling the participant to gain an all_round wrap around seryice and benefiting from everything the project has to offer. Women Breaking Barriers Project Delivered by a collation of Women's Centres and led by Women's Resource and Development A¥ency. This project offers an introduction to education aiid training in ¢mployment, including self-employment. It helps participants gain qualifications, develop and iTnprove skills, achieve Maths/ English qualifications and provide5 courses which will improve participants personal circumstances and offer a belt¢r opportunity to gain ernployment. Course5 provided: . Increased basic skills (Englisl). Maths, Digital and ESOL) Personal development - Goal S¢tting - Cultural awar¢nessl "Women's journey ihrough the years" Emotional wellbeingl Resilience 'frainin8 - Genealogy Basic- Ll & L2 OCN L3 Working with Children and Young Persons witli Disabilities - Tlierdpy Training Menopause information sessions Cost of living workshops Sexual violence and abuse awareness training P¢rsonal developmenLI Resili¢nu¢ Trainin& North Belfast Good Relations Programme This progrAmme focuses on Good Relations and Personal development which will progress the individual. the family and the wider community towards an all-inclusive society. The project offers-_ Personal Development - Goal setting - Cultural Awaren¢ssl "Women's Joumey through the years" Emotional W¢llbein81 Resilience Training - Genealogy Basi¢ - Ll & L2 OCN L3 Working with Children and Young Persons with disabilities Therapy Training Sign Language Paediatric 1st Aid - Sign Language Level l and Level 2 History Group Construction Skill Register (CSR) - Autism Awareness L2 The project also offers Classroom Assistant L3. For many students this course h¢lps build social capacity and many students give their time back to their local communities.
Shankill Women8 Centre ort of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Participants enrolled in the Classroom Assistant L3 course must have a placement in a school environment. On completion of the course 850/0 of the participants are offtred a full-time job by the placement provider. The ¢entre a150 offers support and mentoring to help student5 through the process of transition into studying at a higher level. Volunteer Programme Volunteers are engaged on a weekly basis with check in phone calls or texts and are invited in on a monthly basis to meet with each other and catch up on the work they've been doing. Eight new volunteers have been recruited since Tnoving to the new buildii)g, two more on site counsellors, one reflexologist and one facilitstor, the others have signed up for befriending when needed. Two volunteers are currently taking part in a leadership OCN witb Tides training to expand th¢ir skill set. Two volunteers and two staff who are walk leader arc trained and are leading walks through various locations. Volunteers meet every Tuesday afternoon to check in and share infomiatioii and to OTgani5e different awareness sessions such as, menopause. domestic violence, coercive control and autism awareness. The volunteer advice worker continues to come into the Centre when needed. The volunteers fii)ished a 'cook programme and they will continue be able ¢om¢ in and prepare hot nutritious meals throughout the winter for servic¢ users. Change Makers Project Change makers is a project to support women who live in either North or West Belfast to increase their understanding and awarenes5 on Community Development and Politics. Funded through D¢partm¢nt of Foreigm Affairs as one of their strategic partners and delivered over several elements as follows.. - Participants can work towards three OCN Itvel 2 a¢¢reditation in Comrnunity Development. Civic Leadership, Mediation and Facilitation. - Workshops are offered throughout the length of the progTamme. examples of which could be a ¢onversation with ¢lcGted representative (meet yvur MLA), welfare advice, gender identity etc. Four site visits to political fftnstitutions - Bclfast City Council. StornionL The Daiv Senate, Westminster. These vislts are an opportunity to put learning into practice and view how politics really operates. - Six Change seminars that will run throughout the year and offer an opportunity to brin8 women together to have their voices heard on issues affecting them, their famllies, or the wider community arena. 4 x week short programme is offered and explores current political voting system. mediating ohallenging conversations, exploring political manifestos and the workings of the local assembly. Outcomes wbich were met.. Empowerment - Our women hav¢ gained knowledge about politiGal processe5 and systems empowers women to asset their rights, advocate for th¢msglvcs and theTT communities and become more confident in cxpressing their opinions.
Sh&inkill Womens Cenlre ort of the Trustees for the Ycar Ended 31 March 2025 Informed Decision-making - Understanding political issues enables women to make infornled choices in elections and civic engagemen¢ helping them evaluate candidates and policies critically and align their actions with their values. Skill Development - Engaging with politics helps women develop valuable skills such as public speakin& critical tliiiikin& negotiatioi) and advocacy. These skills are transferable to various aspects of life, including careers and Community involvement. Inereased Civic EnEagem¢Dt- Knowledge of political syslems encourage5 women to parti¢ipat¢ actively in their communities, whether through votTng, atteiiding community meetings or joiningv advocacy groups, leadin8 to a greater sense of belonging and agency. The Greater North Belfast Network Projeet Brings women tog¢tlier across Belfast. By connecting these local groups we ¢reate a space wliereby issues can be raised and solutions offered. We offer training and support, and we amplify women's voices to ensure they're heard by decision-makers. helping conimunities shape a brighter future together. Empowering Young Women Fmpowering Young Women puts young women at the heart of their growtl). Through a needs-led approach, they co-design their journey with accredited and non-accredited training, one-tO-on¢ support, and fun activities that spark ¢onfidence and self-belief, unlocking their full potential. STRATEGIC REPORT Financial Review Curreiitly SWC is in a unique positioii having secured fundiilg from various government departments and depending on the fulfilm¢nt of target outcomes, could be in the position to secure further funding. This is due to sound financiAI management, forward thinking and strategic plannin8. Principal Funding Sources Dfc - Core Staff & Health Project DfCI (WCCF) - Childcare Project DfCI Developing Women (Fresh Start) DFA - Network C(wrdinator BCC - Revenue TEO - North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Lotteryl Prosperity Fund/ CRC - Shared Community Education Pathways Fund - Childcare Project The National Lottery - Empowering Young Women SEUPB - New Build Shared Women's C¢ntrel Programme Money Depl of Forei Affairs - Reconciliation Fund (CM) Fin¥neial Position The company had net incoming resources for the year of £206.810 (2024- net outgoing resources of £32.530), wliich reflcctcd th¢ in¢rea5e in trading activities during the year. Unrestri¢tcd fund5 increased by £92,959, while restricted funds in¢r¢ased by £l13.851.
Shankill Women5 Centre rt of the Trustees for tbe Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRATEGIC REPORT Finydncial review Reserves policy Shankill Wom¢n's Centre delivers a range of programmes and services and has been successful in obtaining fundin8 from a variety of sour¢es. All of these grants, however, are in the forni of restricted funds. Non-ffjstricted income amounts to less than two per cent of total income. The Directors have reviewed the charitys need for reserves and consider that these are necessary: (a) to protect tbe charity again5t:_ Late payment of grants by fijnders. Non-renewal of existing grants and so ensuring Continuity of services while alternativ¢ sources of funding ar¢ sorted or to allow a smooth and gradual wind-down of one or more services" or {b) in Circumstances where there IJ 4 proportionately high number of redundancies:. The equivalent of four months annual revenue costs is considered by the Director5 to be a reasonable tsr8et. This policy will be reviewed annually by the Directors. This figure is based on the number of staff STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing doeument The charity 15 controlled by its governing documenL a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee. as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Recruitment and appointni¢Dt of new trustees TrUsteIdirectorS are appointed by nominations made in writing by any existing director. At the General Meeting norninated directors are appointed by election. Organisational structure The Board of Trust¢¢s, which can have bettveen 6 and 8 members, admin75ter the charity. The Board meets six times each year. It s¢ts strategic direction for the organisation, which 15 implemented by the employed staff, through an annual operational plan. The CEO, Bety Carlisle. the Finan¢¢ Offi¢¢r, and the Directors of Services are responsible for the day to day running of the organisation and have devolv¢d authority to take decisions between Board meetings. Induction And training of new trusteeJ New Trustees are provided with full infornation to brief them on their legal obligations under the charity and company law. Three new trustees wer¢ appointed during the year, using the flexibility provided by the Articles of Association
Shankill Womens Centre ort of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Related parties WCRP The Woinen's Centres Regional Partnership (WCRP) is a partnership of four lead regional women's organisations linking with fourte¢n frontline women's organisations across Northern Ireland. This partnership emerged from and has been ongoing, froin the report of the Review Group on women's organisationg providiiig support and services to disadvantaged areas. TWN Training for Women's Network is a regional network who delivers higher level courses for women. They are also a lead iii Producing inforniation and services for the Women's Sector in Nl. GSPB The Greater Shankill Partnership Board was estsblished in 1995 with the aim of producing and delivering a strategy for the social and ecoiiomic regeneration of the Greater Shankill area. The CEO represents the Women's C¢ntre on this board and is also the acting chair at pr¢s¢nt. It also acted as a delivery agent for number of progrpAmines which assist in the regeneration process and in particular Neighbourhood Rcncwal through Department for Communities. WSN Thc Women's Support Network is an umbrella organisation for women's groups, centre5 and projects whi¢h are woinen ceiitred and community-based or adopt a community development approach. It is a charitabl¢ and f¢minist organisation, which operates in the Greatcr Belfast area while maintaininLT Strong links with women's projects and networks regionally and nationally. 1'he Women's Support Network plays a unique role in ¢o-ordinating and networking with Gornmunity-based wom¢n's organisalions and facililating joint lobbying to challenge inequity and promote positive pvlicy change. North Belfast Contract Holders Is a grouping which meet monthly and r¢¢eive fundin8 from Th¢ Executive Otfice (TEO) - This is the primary unit for promoting and providing good relation projects a¢ros5 North Belfast. The Centre lias 2 representative5 011 this gTOUP. EVEiYfs SINCE THE END OF THE YEAR Inforniation relating lo events since the end of the year is given in the notes to the financial statements. TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT The trustees (who are also tho director5 of Shankill Womens Centre for the purposes of company law) are respoiisible for preparing the Report of the Trust¢es and the financial ststements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Stsndards {United Kingdom Generally Accept&J Accounting Practice) includittg Financial Reportinb, Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in th¢ UK and Republir of Ireland" io
Sh2Dkill Womens Centre ort ofthe Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT- continued Company law requires the trustee5 to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitsble company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable Company for that period. In preparing those financial staternen the trustees are requiTed to select suitsbl¢ accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and PTudent' state whether applicable accouttting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial stat¢meThts' prcpare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it 15 inappropriate to presume that the charitable company WTII continue in business. I"he trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the fin8n¢ial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking rcasoiiable steps for the prevention and det¢¢tion of fraud and other irregularities. In 50 far &$ the trustees are aware: there is no relevant audit information of which the charitsble company's auditors are unaware., and the trustees have taken all steps that they ougl)t to have tsken to make themselve5 aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that inforn]ation. AUDrroRS The auditors. Lynn Drake & Co Ltd. will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. Report of the trustees. inwrporating a strategic rep)¢ approved by order of the board of trustees, as the company directors. on 29 Septernber 2025 and signed on the board's behalf by.. S.KC Nicola Mccullough - Trustee
ort of the Inde ndent Audltors to the Trustees and Members of Shankill Womens Centre Opinion We have audited the financial statem¢nts of Shankill Womens Centre (the 'charitable company,) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which compris¢ the Statement of Financial Activities, the Statement of binancial Position, the Ststeinent of Cash Flows and notes to the financial sthtements. including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that lias been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom A¢¢ounting Standards (United Kingdom Genetmlly Accepted Accounting Practice). including Finaiicial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland,. In our opinion the finaiicial statements.. give a tru¢ and fair view of the stste of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resour¢¢s and application of resources. including its income and expenditure, for the year then have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland aiid have been prepared in accordance with the requir¢ments of the Companies Act 2006. B2518 for opinion We conducted our audit in accordaiice with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Oiir responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors, respoiisibilities for the audit of the finaiicial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable conipany in accordance with the ethical requirevncnts that arc relevant to our audit of the financial statemenls in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard. and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilitios in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit cviden¢e we have obtained l5 sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern In audiling the financial 5tat¢ments, we have concluded that the trustees, use of the going concern basis of a¢couiitinB in the preparation of the financial stat¢ments is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have nol identified any material uiicertainties relating to events OT conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast Si8nifi¢ant doubt 01) tli¢ charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a p¢riod of at least twelve month5 from when the financial statements arc authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the tru5te¢s with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. Other information The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information compris¢s the information included in the Annual Report, other than the fiiiancial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the othcr informatioii and, exfjept to the ext¢nt otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any forn) of assurance conclusioii ther¢oii. In connection with our audit of the financial statetnents. our responsibility is to read the other information and. in doing so consider whether the other infornation is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledg¢ obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materÉ&lly mtsstated. If w¢ identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misststem¢nts, we arc required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If. based on thg work we liave perfomed. we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 12